Lovers Leap
Lovers Leap is a great intermediate-level trail that offers mostly shady hiking along its 3-mile loop route. Most people hike the route in a clockwise direction, which then requires a somewhat strenuous climb at the start of the route from the trailhead, which is located behind the old schoolhouse near the State Game Lodge. However, there are no rules that require this direction, so hiking in a counter-clockwise direction would make for no steep sections going up – just coming down. The best place to begin a counter-clockwise hike is at the Coolidge Store, then follow the service road past the workers residences to the small trail along the creek. There is about 580 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead to the summit.
Like so many of the other “Lovers Leaps” around the country, the story behind the name centers on two young Native American lovers who many years ago leaped to their deaths from the high rock pinnacle that juts out near the summit. The view from the top of Lovers Leap is primarily northward, providing a clear view of Galena Creek Canyon 500 feet below and Black Elk Peak and Cathedral Spires to the north. The hike to the summit is along a well-defined trail through thick forest of mostly ponderosa pine. Where the trail parallels Galena Creek, aspen are the most common trees along the trail. With the lush ground cover and the aspen trees along the creek, this hike becomes especially popular when fall colors are at their peak. The trail crosses the stream numerous times, and some crossings have sturdy planks to walk over. Others do not, requiring a broad jump or shallow wading (except during heavy runoff). When hiking along the stream, please remember this is where you are most apt to pick up ticks and find poison ivy.
Hikers will often see deer along the stream, and occasionally elk or buffalo. If you are one of the rare hikers who discover your path blocked by a buffalo, please be aware of the signs that may indicate to you if they are in an aggressive mood. That would include lifting their tail or rolling their tongues. A female buffalo with a calf may feel protective, so you may have to find a way to bushwhack through the forest to give them a wide margin as you go by. There are mountain lions in this region, but they are usually not seen here, due to the number of visitors to the area. Bighorn sheep are often seen near the mouth of the canyon, where Galena Creek joins Grace Coolidge Creek.
The trailhead is located off the highway, behind the old schoolhouse near the State Game Lodge. The best way to get to the State Game Lodge from downtown Custer, is to travel east on Highway 16A for 13.5 miles. If you are traveling from Rapid City, the best way to get there starts from downtown by going 19 miles south on Highway 79 to Highway 36. Turn west on Highway 36 and go 9 miles, where the highway merges with Highway 16A. 2.8 miles from the junction is the State Game Lodge. A trail map is posted in the photos below. To access an online map of Custer State Park, click on the link below:
Custer State Park Trails Guide
Like so many of the other “Lovers Leaps” around the country, the story behind the name centers on two young Native American lovers who many years ago leaped to their deaths from the high rock pinnacle that juts out near the summit. The view from the top of Lovers Leap is primarily northward, providing a clear view of Galena Creek Canyon 500 feet below and Black Elk Peak and Cathedral Spires to the north. The hike to the summit is along a well-defined trail through thick forest of mostly ponderosa pine. Where the trail parallels Galena Creek, aspen are the most common trees along the trail. With the lush ground cover and the aspen trees along the creek, this hike becomes especially popular when fall colors are at their peak. The trail crosses the stream numerous times, and some crossings have sturdy planks to walk over. Others do not, requiring a broad jump or shallow wading (except during heavy runoff). When hiking along the stream, please remember this is where you are most apt to pick up ticks and find poison ivy.
Hikers will often see deer along the stream, and occasionally elk or buffalo. If you are one of the rare hikers who discover your path blocked by a buffalo, please be aware of the signs that may indicate to you if they are in an aggressive mood. That would include lifting their tail or rolling their tongues. A female buffalo with a calf may feel protective, so you may have to find a way to bushwhack through the forest to give them a wide margin as you go by. There are mountain lions in this region, but they are usually not seen here, due to the number of visitors to the area. Bighorn sheep are often seen near the mouth of the canyon, where Galena Creek joins Grace Coolidge Creek.
The trailhead is located off the highway, behind the old schoolhouse near the State Game Lodge. The best way to get to the State Game Lodge from downtown Custer, is to travel east on Highway 16A for 13.5 miles. If you are traveling from Rapid City, the best way to get there starts from downtown by going 19 miles south on Highway 79 to Highway 36. Turn west on Highway 36 and go 9 miles, where the highway merges with Highway 16A. 2.8 miles from the junction is the State Game Lodge. A trail map is posted in the photos below. To access an online map of Custer State Park, click on the link below:
Custer State Park Trails Guide
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17